Link Checks 1/20/2012

The Flyers' stretch of great play against the Islanders came to a stop last night. In a game in which only goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky seemed to show up, the Flyers were just dominated (TCLFlyers). If it weren't for Bobrovsky, who actually played great despite what the score might indicate, the outcome could have been a lot worse. The Flyers' backcheck was one of the main problems, as the Islanders generated many offensive attacks in transition (TCLFlyers). The team looked to have no inspiration or desire to win whatsoever (TCLFlyers).

The Flyers practiced today at noon in Voorhees (Sam Carchidi tweet), and you have to wonder if there were even pucks on the ice. Laviolette did say last night's loss was "unacceptable" (Flyers Fan Central).

Over the past couple weeks, Flyers' center Claude Giroux has definitely been in a slump. It's not just his lack of offensive production, but other things that are definitely out of character for the Canadian native (SB Nation Philly). Could it be some minor concussion symptoms from an injury earlier in the year? Only he knows. Hopefully he can turn it around against the Devils on Saturday (NHL.com).Speaking of injuries, captain Chris Pronger's recovery is not going well (TCLFlyers). His situation right now is tragically looking a lot like Keith Primeau's. He is trying some new therapies which will hopefully have a turn for the better (CSNPhilly).Luckily for the Flyers, the Rangers also lost last night, keeping the gap in the standings to four points...

GP

POINTS

WINS

LOSSES

OTL

1.

45

62

29

12

4

2.

45

58

27

14

4

3.

46

54

25

17

4

4.

46

54

26

18

2

5.

45

42

18

21

6

However, it was the Penguins who beat the Rangers (NHL.com), and they're four points behind the Flyers.

With the Devils losing to the Bruins (NHL.com), the Penguins tied the Devils in points and took third place in the division with a Goals For advantage of 140-127.